DENVER, CO – The Blue Knights family is saddened by the loss of the long-time staff member, Lynn Lindstrom. She passed after prolonged battle with cancer on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Lynn is survived by husband George and children, Ryan and Shelley.
Lynn became involved with the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps with her husband George (who was a past Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps executive director) in 1983 and has been one of our most ardent supporters and dedicated staff members ever since. Lynn and George headed up Ascend Events for over 30 years, planning and managing the Drums Along the Rockies, Corps Encore and the Friendship Cup Scholastic Marching Band Competition shows. She had been the Drums Along the Rockies chairperson since 1985.
“This is such a loss all of us,” stated Mark Arnold, Executive Director of Ascend Performing Arts. “Lynn’s contributions positively impacted so many. Her focus was always upon the young people we serve. She was the silent titan who made it all happen. Our hearts go out to her husband George, the entire Lindstrom family and all who were touched by her life as we mourn together, and reflect upon all she did to make this world a better place.”
Lynn was also one of the founders of Winter Guard International, and the Executive Director from 1978 to 2001. As Executive Director, Lynn was instrumental in nurturing the explosive growth of color guard from 34 guards in 1978 to over 300 participating at the point when she retired in 2001. She led WGI’s expansion into percussion ensemble and marching band competitions.
In 1992, thanks to the efforts of George and Lynn, WGI expanded to include percussion as a part of the “Sport of the Arts” which enabled the creation of the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble; the longest-running Percussion Independent World group in WGI with 4-WGI Championships and 21 Rocky Mountain State Championship titles. BKPE was also the first WGI group affiliated with a DCI drum corps.
Lynn was an inaugural WGI Hall of Fame inductee in 1992 and a Dayton Community Ambassador award winner. Not one for the spotlight, she shied away from personal recognition, opting always to ensure those around her received the same life-changing experience she did as a performer. Her dedication was unwavering as Lynn even hand-sewed the very first WGI championship flag herself.
Ascend Performing Arts and the Blue Knights programs have been made possible largely because of Lynn’s leadership, passion for the activity and vision of the future. Our organization is stronger and serves more youth than ever before thanks to her efforts and dedication.
George has asked us to share with you the Lindstrom family’s deep appreciation for all of the positive thoughts and wells wishes sent their way during this very difficult time.
Services are are being arranged. We will post as more information becomes available. Please keep Lynn’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
UPDATE: The Lindstrom family has decided on Saturday, April 30, 2016 as the day we will celebrate Lynn’s life in Denver. To get more information about the location and RSVP, please visit Facebook.
